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Calhoun County

City of Lake City

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History: Lake City, Iowa, population 2,000, is located in the southwest corner of Calhoun County on State Highway 175 and County Road N-41. Founded in 1856 by prairie settlers, Lake City is the oldest and most historic town in the county. It was named after Lake Creek, which flows to the northwest of town. Rich Iowa soil and green rolling hills surround Lake City, and although Lake City does not boast its own lake, it is situated within 25 minutes of three beautiful lakes: Twin Lakes, Black Hawk Lake, and Swan Lake, all great fishing spots. Hospitality & Services Offered: Lake City is not only beautiful and exciting but a likeable town due to the hospitality and services offered. Lake City boasts one of the best community hospitals in the state, the Stewart Memorial Community Hospital, employing 200 health care professionals. Patients come from all over the western half of the state to take advantage of the high-quality care received at SMCH. In addition there is the Community Clinic, and is located with the hospital complex on the west side of town. Also in the health field is the Shady Oaks Nursing Home staffed and ready to care for 140 residents. The city also has a unique facility named Opportunity Living, which is a care and support center for handicapped persons from around the state. It operates out of six group homes in and around the Lake City area. In addition to these fine facilities, there are also two optometrists, two chiropractors, and one dentist in the Lake City area. Major industries located in Lake City are Bowie Manufacturing, which produces fiberglass vet units and employs 60 people, and Dobson's Pipe Organ Builders, employing 18. Actvities: Activities in Lake City are centered around the city square. The majority of the area's businesses are located surrounding the square, which has a circular fountain with colored lights, and a veterans memorial. A block off the square sits the historic Central School, built in 1884 and declared a historic place in the National Register in 1985. This beautiful structure, the storefronts surrounding the square, and the circular fountain make Lake City a scenic and historic place to live. In addition to the aesthetics, Lake City is an active, prosperous, entertaining city. There are clubs and recreational activities to satisfy even the most active participant. The Lake City Betterment Association, the Lions Club, and the Yacht Club are all organizations that encourage community involvement. For those outdoor enthusiasts, Lake City has a city park named Goins Park with a swimming pool, two basketball courts, and three tennis courts. It also offers the Max Elder walking trail. In addition, Lake City is within close driving distance of two county parks, Rainbow Park and Hickory Grove Park. There is also an eight-lane bowling alley, complete with leagues in the winter months and the Capri Theatre, showing current releases, open year around. Other entertainment opportunities in the area include: restaurants, the Lake City Country Club with 9-hole golf course and clubhouse, and the Community Building where community-wide events are held. Every summer, near the 4th of July, the Lake City Betterment Association and the Top Rail Saddle Club sponsor a three-day celebration named Western Days, complete with a parade, activities in the park, and a USPRC sanctioned rodeo. Religion & Education: Many religions are represented, as Lake City is the home of eight churches. They are: First Baptist Church, Woodlawn Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Lake City Union Church, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Jehovah's Witness Church, and Seventh Day Adventist Church. Education is very important to Lake City citizens. They take great pride in their Southern Cal Mustangs. Numerous academic and athletic awards have been bestowed. The middle school and high school share facilities with the neighboring Lohrville community. There are also two elementaries, one based in Lake City and the other in Lohrville. All told, there are approximately 730 students in the school system. Businesses: Businesses in Lake City include: The Lake City Graphic, a weekly newspaper, a hardware store, a men's and women's clothing store, three flower shops, three pharmacies, a variety store, numerous insurance agencies, three real estate offices, a meat processing plant, a lumberyard, a Chevrolet-Olds-Buick car dealership, two law firms, numerous veterinarians, a supermarket, several beauty salons and barbers, several restaurants, two body shops, a nursery, two convenience stores, an auto parts store, a farm supply store, a funeral home, a jewelry store, a Lake City Public Library, several construction,and plumbing & heating technicians. For financial needs, Lake City has two banks. Whether it's a beautiful locale, an active community, or an employment opportunity you want, Lake City has it all for you!